Greece’s New Golden Visa: Driving Innovation Through Startup Investments

  • by XpatAthens
  • Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Greece’s New Golden Visa: Driving Innovation Through Startup Investments
In a significant step to boost Greece’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and attract foreign investment, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a major update to the country’s Golden Visa program at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair. Among the 45 new measures introduced, one stands out for its potential to transform Greece’s investment landscape: a revamped Golden Visa program focused on startup investments. This new approach shifts the emphasis away from the traditional real estate-centric model, aiming to position Greece as a hub for innovation and cutting-edge ventures.

The Real Estate Golden Visa: Update Summary

Previously, the Greek Golden Visa program required a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate. However, significant changes in 2024 have introduced a two-tiered structure:
  • €800,000 for properties in high-demand areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini.
  • €400,000 for properties in other regions of Greece.
  • The €250,000 threshold remains in specific cases, such as the conversion of commercial properties or the restoration of listed buildings.
Golden Visa Through Startup Investment
  1. Minimum Investment Requirement of €250,000
    • The new startup-focused Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of €250,000, making it accessible to a wider range of investors, from venture capitalists to individual entrepreneurs eager to bring fresh ideas to the Greek market.
  2. Investment in Startups Registered in Elevate Greece
    • To qualify, investments must be directed toward startups registered with Elevate Greece, the official government platform supporting Greek startups. This ensures that funds are channeled into ventures with proven potential, aligning with national goals for innovation in technology, green energy, and health tech.
  3. Proving Financial Capability and Business Viability
    • Investors must demonstrate both their financial capability and the viability of their chosen startups. This includes providing detailed business plans, proof of available capital, and a clear path to growth, ensuring only serious and capable investors participate.
Why Focus on Startups?
  • Boosting Innovation & Economic Growth: By focusing on startups, Greece aims to foster a culture of innovation, create high-quality jobs, and attract additional investment, contributing to broader economic growth. The Golden Visa program now encourages foreign capital to flow into innovative sectors, supporting the development of high-potential startups.
  • Attracting Global Talent: This updated visa program is also designed to attract not just foreign capital but also international talent, fostering a globally connected startup ecosystem where new ideas can thrive.
  • Diversifying the Economy: While Greece’s economy has traditionally relied on tourism, shipping, and real estate, this new initiative aims to expand its economic base by promoting technology, renewable energy, and other high-growth sectors.
  • Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem: Elevate Greece, launched in 2020, is a key part of this strategy. It provides Greek startups with access to funding, networking opportunities, and international exposure, ensuring that foreign investments contribute to long-term growth.
Benefits of the Program
  1. Long-term Residency & Access to the Schengen Zone
Investors who meet the program’s requirements can secure permanent residency in Greece, including access to the Schengen Zone, a significant benefit for those looking to expand their operations across Europe.
  1. Boosting Greece’s Economy
Channeling foreign capital into startups aims to stimulate economic growth and create high-value jobs. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key driver of economic growth, and by focusing on sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and health tech, Greece is setting itself up for long-term success in these high-growth areas.
  1. Supporting the Growth of Startups
Early-stage startups often struggle to secure funding. This initiative seeks to address this by encouraging foreign investors to support fledgling businesses, driving job creation and innovation.
  1. Fostering Innovation
By attracting risk-tolerant capital, Greece can nurture groundbreaking ideas and technologies, helping transform industries and strengthen its global economic standing.

Challenges & Considerations
  • Ensuring Quality Investments: To avoid low-quality or speculative investments, the government has introduced financial scrutiny measures, including the requirement to demonstrate both financial capability and business viability.
  • Balancing Foreign & Local Interests: While foreign capital is crucial, the government must ensure that local entrepreneurs also benefit from this influx, maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
  • Creating a Supportive Ecosystem: For the program to succeed, Greece needs to maintain a supportive business environment, including reducing bureaucracy and improving infrastructure.
Stay informed about program developments to seize the opportunity to invest in Greece’s future while securing a Golden Visa for yourself and your family. For expert guidance and the latest updates, reach out to Expat Law or subscribe to their newsletter. 

If you have any questions or need support, our team at XpatAthens is just a message away – get in touch with us and we will guide you in the best way possible!

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